The versatile 40-year-old, who moved to San Siro in 1995, worked under Mourinho during the Portuguese's two-year spell at the the Giuseppe Meazza, during which time the club completed an unprecedented treble.

Zanetti, though, is out of contract in June and, while his family are settled in Milan, is considering the proposal and could be tempted by a reunion with Mourinho.

The 51-year-old coach, who has frequently bemoaned the inexperience within his Chelsea side, has suggested that the Argentine join the playing staff for the 2014-15 campaign before taking on a position within his backroom team for the following season.

Mourinho is eager to add experience and title-winning pedigree to his ranks, and his plans have been approved by owner Roman Abramovich,

Zanetti, however, remains committed to Inter and will hold talks with president Erick Thohir to clarify his position at the club and whether he would be able to begin his coaching career with the Italians.

He told Inter Channel on Friday: "Honestly, I have a great relationship with Mourinho, we often talk, but we never talked about these things.

"I believe that Inter fans know what I feel about this shirt. I always said, to me, Inter is my life and that my desire is to stay here. Say no more."

However, Thohir added that the club would not stand in the way of Zanetti if he wished to move on, stating that the decision was entirely down to the player.

"I met the captain two months ago, it’s his decision,” he told reporters.

“He is a legend and we will respect any decision he makes. If he wants to continue or become a director then we will discuss it in the coming months."

The former Argentina international, who has 145 caps for his country, considers Milan his adopted home and it would take a serious charm offensive from Mourinho to lure his former charge to west London.